By Albert Mulizakamba

Balaka, October 26, Mana: Balaka Stadium on Friday was abuzz with excitement as Athletics Malawi in collaboration with Balaka District Sports Office hosted a Kids athletics challenge as a way of uncovering their potential in sports activities.

Eleven primary schools from the district participated in the event giving chance for kids to feature a variety of sporting activities including the kids’ triple jump.

Ngwangwa Primary School emerged victorious, followed by Zammimba Primary School in second place and Balaka Primary School was recognized for their fair play allowing it to receive an additional prize of 100 notebooks, pencils and other school materials for their participation.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Balaka District Sports Officer, Moses Chimbetete expressed his satisfaction with the event.

“We have seen the potential that kids in Balaka have, so we needed to start from the scratch with the class one and that is the first step,” he said.

Chimbetete, therefore, urged parents to change their mindset and take children's sports seriously, emphasizing that some children may pursue sports as a career in the future.

He added: "We have noted some challenges such as limited school participation due to mobility issues, with some schools located far from the venue."

On his part, Athletics Malawi President, Kondwani Chamwala stressed the significance of choosing Balaka District for the event.

He noted that many athletes in Malawi come from Balaka despite the area’s hot climate.

"Our main focus was on developing children’s skills at a young age to understand their movements and jumps," he said.

The event was sponsored by Old Mutual and it was part of a broader initiative that has also been conducted in the Northern region with an aim of nurturing young athletic talent across the country.